Press Releases

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Da Lobsta tested a new lobster roll today. It officially rolls out tomorrow. Make room Chicago. The Da Lobsta Lobster Mac & Cheese Polish Sausage is here. The roll will be available at both the 12 E. Cedar and Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton) locations as well as the Da Lobsta Food Truck -- $14.94.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Chicago Soap Company Travels to South Africa on Illinois Trade Mission

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When artisan soap maker Deborah Kraemer launched her line of all-natural soaps fifteen years ago, under the brand name Abbey Brown (www.abbeybrown.com), she had no idea that her skills and business savvy would lead to an invitation by the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago and the Illinois Small Business Development Council to represent them at their 2014 trade mission to South Africa. Yet this week, Kraemer will join a group of noteworthy Illinois companies who will spend ten days in South Africa, building new business relationships while showcasing their products and capabilities.

Kraemer not only plans to meet with a wide range of international personal care companies to foster new commercial partnerships, but she also expects to meet with African economic development organizations to conduct her personal mission of being a global advocate for teaching soap making skills.

"Natural soap may seem like a simple, personal luxury to most Americans," says Kraemer, "but for the many people of Africa and other parts of the developing world who have limited access to personal hygiene products like soap, learning to make their own natural soaps, using ingredients found right in their own locale, is a compelling and cost-effective way they can improve their health. It's also a skill set; a way to earn a living. Natural soap making also is a sustainable process, and that's become a priority throughout the world."

Kraemer, originally an educator, began making soap because her son had very sensitive skin that reacted terribly to commercial products. The all-natural products she made were extremely beneficial, so she continued to hone her skills and her reputation grew. She officially launched Chicago Soap Company in 2000, focusing on her Abbey Brown line of products, at Chicago's city farmer's markets and by 2003 had begun her online store. In 2006, she opened the spacious Abbey Brown Soap Artisan and Gift Shop, a retail location at 1162 W. Grand in Chicago (telephone: 312-738-2290).

Kraemer was one of the founding vendors at the Chicago French Market and was there for four years. She also had a retail presence for three years at Navy Pier. She also continues to sell her products at many venues and markets throughout the area, yet her direction is increasingly moving in the direction of wholesaling and educational activity.

The business has become so successful that she is taking it to the next level, concentrating on building the Chicago Soap Company brand-Abbey Brown will remain one brand under the corporate umbrella. She also is launching a new product, Tarot, a line of solid, all-natural perfumes.

The Chicago Soap Company will expand its business in part by growing its wholesale and private label enterprises. "We've been producing private label products for a long time, but now we've reached a level of efficiency and capacity where we can service larger accounts," explains Kraemer. "One of our strengths, in addition to making products of exceptional quality and purity, has been our creative packaging. We work with a cadre of local Chicago artists to create beautiful, often whimsical, packaging. Since soaps and related items are a very personal product and are often purchased as gifts, we have always insisted that our products be as attractive to look at as they are amazing to use."

Kraemer is quick to draw a distinction between artisan soap making as a business versus soap making as a craft. "We are very pragmatic about our business growth. We want the Chicago Soap Company to continue to grow as a profitable and highly responsible enterprise. We recognize that there is a huge and growing market for our products for home use as well as in institutional settings, including hotels, resorts, restaurants and retailers. We can produce highly-customized products to meet the specific needs of our clients. By private labeling our products for them, any number of corporate entities or organizations can reap the benefits."

The educational mission of Chicago Soap Company continues to be an important part of the company's business culture. "We have developed many different educational programs," says Kraemer. "Not only do we teach soap-making for the general public who want to make soap as a hobby, but we also offer a series of classes that teach people how to make soap and, in addition, how to operate small businesses, so they can start their own entrepreneurial ventures. We teach them the basics of accounting and bookkeeping as well as sales and marketing techniques so they can succeed as business people." Chicago Soap Company also maintains highly regarded apprenticeship and internship programs.

Kraemer has held classes for many groups, from non-profit organizations that want to sell soaps as fundraisers to educational programs that focus on serious job skills. She schedules classes for groups of convention goers, tourists, and even for kids' birthday parties.

Kraemer believes that interest in natural soaps is following the same path that natural, sustainable foods took during the past two decades. Soap awareness has been just slower to reach a mass audience. "People have become accustomed to thinking carefully about their food-the natural purity and wholesomeness of the ingredients, the sustainable and caring way in which they are produced. The same awareness is now springing up regarding personal care products.

"It's no longer news that commercial, mass-produced soaps are often made with chemicals and additives that aren't healthy and degrade our environment," Kraemer continues. "For example, the surfactant chemicals typically used by large manufacturers to make soaps and shampoos generate more lather are simply not good for us, and the healthy ingredients they do put in these products, such as aloe, are used in such small quantities that they hardly make any difference."

As a craft, Kraemer is still fascinated by the many creative recipes and techniques that can be used to produce personal care products naturally. "We can choose from many, many ingredients to make soaps that meet particular needs. Some soaps are exfoliating, while others are extremely mild for sensitive skin. We use natural, healthy oils, fresh herbs, fruits, spices, and other all-natural ingredients to add fragrance and functionality-all without synthetic chemicals and additives."

Kraemer, always an educator at heart, envisions Chicago Soap Company establishing a museum of soap making in the years ahead. "Soap making is a historical craft that has been around since Biblical days. There are so many aspects of it that are worth knowing about. We hope the museum will be a unique destination that everyone, young and old, will find fascinating and enjoy."

Monday, August 18, 2014

The August heat is not the only reason why things are hot at Delightful Pastries. August 19 is National Hot and Spicy Food Day as well as National Potato Day. Delightful Pastries is all geared up to help show Chicago how they make things spicy and keep you guessing with their unique potato dishes. Delightful Pastries adds spice and flavor to their sandwiches with three of their homemade and flavorful sauces. The original sauce options include a Japanese inspired sauce (included with selected sandwiches), made with teriyaki and mayo. Thai Cowboy Sauce (included with select sandwiches), is made with buttermilk ranch and homemade sriracha. What the Puck sauce (included with select sandwiches), is a homemade barbecue sauce with ghost chili pepper and bourbon. These sauces are sure to add a kick to your sandwich and leave you trying to imagine how you enjoyed a sandwich without them ever before.Potato lovers have never met a potato dish they did not like. Delightful Pastries is ready to serve you a potato dish unlike anything you have ever tried. If you are looking for something different, try Delightful Pastries' Pierogi ($6 for 4, $8 for 6) a traditional Polish dumpling served with the perfect combination of potato and cheese.Potatoes slip seamlessly into the breakfast scene at Delightful Pastries. The British Mob ($9.95) features pan-fried potatoes, served with braised beans and blood sausage. The equally crisp and fluffy hash browns (included with breakfast items) are the perfect side to any breakfast dish. Whether you are celebrating National Hot and Spicy Foods Day or National Potato Day, or even a bit of both, August 19 is a great day to visit Delightful Pastries.

Delightful Pastries' mastery of flavor is clear in all their bakery and café items. See for yourself at any of Delightful Pastries' three Chicago locations: Old Town at 1710 N. Wells St., (312) 255-0724; Jefferson Park at 5927 W. Lawrence, (773) 545-7215, and Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton, (312) 234-9644. Visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Green City Market, Chicago's premiere sustainable farmer's market, opens its new additional outdoor location at Fulton Market tomorrow. Green City Market Fulton hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through October at the corners of Halsted and Fulton Market streets in the parking lot at 222 N. Halsted St. There is public parking on the east side of the street at 221 N. Halsted for $6.
Twenty vendors selling organic and sustainable produce, vegetables and other goods are expected at the first market. The growing Fulton Market District/West Loop is one of Chicago's most popular and fastest growing neighborhoods. "The Green City Market board and staff are thrilled and excited to have been recommended in the Fulton Market Innovation District Plan and that we have been invited to pilot a Green City Market in this neighborhood," said Mark Psilos, associate director of the Green City Market. "We're hoping that we can use this as an opportunity to transition into a year-round indoor location in the area.""Green City Market is a perfect market partner for the District. We have a 16-year proven history in Lincoln Park. We are excited for the farmers to have an opportunity to increase the flow of local food to the community," said Sarah Stegner and Vi Daley, co-chairs of the Green City Market board.

The mission of Green City Market is to improve the availability of a diverse range of high quality foods,connecting local producers and farmers to chefs, restaurateurs, food organizations and the public, and supporting small family farms while promoting a healthier society through education and appreciation for local, fresh, sustainably raised produce and products.

Green City Market has been a destination for locals and visitors to Chicago since its inception in 1998. Last year, Green City Market's Lincoln Park location broke attendance records, drawing some 10,000 people weekly on Saturdays and 3,000 plus on Wednesdays.

Green City Market has consistently been named in the top 10 of the nation's best farmers markets by national publications such as Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, Forbes, Shape, CNN, Huffington Post and US News, among others. The organization recently published its first cookbook, The Green City Market Cookbook, featuring recipes from chefs, restaurateurs and market customers. The cookbook is available at both Green City Market locations as well as on its website.
For more information, visit Green City Market's website at http://www.greencitymarket.org or call 773-880-1266.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Many bakeries steer clear of vegetables in their kitchens, but Delightful Pastries is a master at making vegetables taste as good as any of their other sweets. August 8 is National Zucchini Day, which is the perfect reason to enjoy Delightful Pastries' delicious vegetable items such as the Vegetable Frittata and Zucchini Bread, both made with fresh organic zucchini. The Vegetable Frittata ($5.75-$6.75), best described as a vegetable and egg cake, is a vegetarian's dream, made with the freshest potato, onion, Fontina cheese, spinach, mushroom and zucchini and served with a fresh side salad. For those with a sweet tooth, the Zucchini Bread ($8.50 per loaf) is a great breakfast treat. Sweet, moist and flavorful, you will hardly realize you are eating a vegetable. Delightful Pastries offers a wide range of vegetable infused creations such as sweet breads like the Banana Nut Bread ($8.50 per loaf) or Carrot Cake ($8.50 per loaf). Dive deeper into vegetables at breakfast with the Vegetable Quiche ($5.75-$7.25).These zucchini dishes, amongst a wide range of freshly crafted items, can be found at Delightful Pastries three Chicago locations: Old Town at 1710 N. Wells St., (312) 255-0724; Jefferson Park at 5927 W. Lawrence, (773) 545-7215, and Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton, (312) 234-9644. Visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Raspberries are a summertime delight and nothing says summer quite like fresh raspberries and cream . Delightful Pastries takes raspberries and cream and transforms them into a moist, fresh, creamy cake. The Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cake ($42 for an 8-inch cake) is made with rich chocolate mousse topped with raspberries, sandwiched between framboise soaked in either chocolate or vanilla genoise, and finished off with whipped cream.

The freshness and richness of this cake is the just the cake to help you celebrate summer, leaving you to savor every bite. Stop by and pick up a Raspberry Chocolate Mousse and see all the other bakery temptations available at Delightful Pastries.

Unlike the fleeting Chicago summer, this cake is available to be enjoyed round at Delightful Pastries in Jefferson Park at 5927 W. Lawrence, (773) 545-7215.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-205-4433)
serves some of the freshest and most sustainable food on Chicago's North Shore,
and they really know how to make a delicious sandwich. The fantastic lunch menu
features sandwiches that will please anyone and everyone.

The Crab Cake Sandwich ($15) is a mouthwatering option you
will not want to miss. Made with avocado, spicy remoulade and a scrumptious crab
cake, served on a bun with a side of arugula salad, you will not be crabby when
you give this one a try.

Prairie Grass' Traditional Tuna Melt ($11), served with a
homemade thousand island dressing, is as perfect as any tuna melt can be, with
the richness of the cheese impeccably complimenting the tuna.

One of the most popular items on the lunch menu, the Top Sirloin
Burger, features Amish blue cheese, roasted tomato and potato wedges.
This burger is truly so good you will not even need a bun, as the flavor of the
ingredients will keep you more than satisfied (buns are optional, of course).

Do not forget to give the Egg Salad ($8.50), Tuna
Salad ($8.50) or "North County" Hamand White
Cheddar Sandwich ($10) a taste. All of Prairie Grass' sandwiches are
hard to beat in terms of the caliber of ingredients, freshness and flavor, so
there is no better place to celebrate National Sandwich Month throughout the
month of August than Prairie Grass Cafe.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Karma Pub (510 East Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) has you
covered this August for National Sandwich Month. Their recently redesigned menu
includes all you have come to know and love about great sandwiches. Be sure to
stop by Karma Pub to try any of their delicious sandwiches, salads, and other
gastro pub fare, as you unwind in their casual yet stylish bar. With so many
delicious menu items, you will have to keep coming back to try them all.
Karma has gone fishing and created the perfect
sandwich. The Crispy Fish Sandwich ($14) which combines fresh
Alaskan Cod, bacon, cheddar and sour pickle aioli, will leave you savoring every
last bite.

Don't be a chicken, have some chicken. Go big or go home with the
Grilled Chicken Club ($10). This generous chicken lover's
delight starts with chicken that is grilled to perfection, then topped with
Swiss cheese, crisp bacon and drizzled in buttermilk ranch.

Finding it
hard to decide which meat you want in your sandwich? Try the Triple
Decker Club ($11), featuring ham, turkey, salami, alongside Swiss
cheese, lettuce, tomato and bacon, all served on toasted wheat bread. The Triple
Decker proves you can have it all.
Who says burgers don't count as sandwiches? Karma Pub
can always find an excuse to cook up their famous Southwestern
Burger ($13): Pepper-jack cheese, crunchy tortilla, Pico de Gallo and
Chipotle Aioli give this burger a southern twang, all wrapped up in a pretzel
bun.

You will not be disappointed by any of Karma Pub's sandwiches and
burgers, all served with a choice of Karma's famous house chips or fries.

As an added bonus, if you're in the mood for the delicious pan-Asian cuisine
from Karma Asian Food & Wine which is next door, you can order from that
menu while you relax in Karma Pub. Casual setting with casual gastro pub food or
with sophisticated Asian cuisine: whichever food you crave, you'll find it at
Karma Pub. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, please visit the website www.thekarmapub.com.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Enjoy A French Journey During National Sandwich Month this August at Bistrot Zinc

While it's officially National Sandwich Month in America, if you want to try the crème de la crème of sandwiches, think French and let Bistrot Zinc (1131 N. State St., 312- 337-1131) in Chicago wow you with the French royalty of gourmet sandwiches - the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, both $12.95.Perhaps to an untrained eye they may seem like an ordinary grilled ham and cheese, but the fullness and freshness of the ingredients reveal these are the best things to happen to sandwiches since sliced bread. Tangy Gruyère cheese and thinly sliced ham are melted between grilled sour dough, topped with Gruyère custard, and broiled to a bubbly, golden brown. These mouthwatering French favorites are served with pommes frites, making them perfect lunchtime indulgences. Here's an inside secret: the Croque Madame is not on the menu, you simply have to ask for it and it will be yours. The Croque Madame features the same gruyere cheese and grilled ham featured in the Croque Monsieur, but with the addition of a fresh fried egg served on top. Served with pommes frites, you will have to remind yourself you are still stateside in Chicago and have not been transported to a café in Paris. Do not let the complication of pronunciation keep you from trying the Gigot D'Agneau Sandwich ($11.95). The Gigot D'Agneau, or lamb sandwich, is served on thick, toasted bread with grilled lamb, lightly pickled red onion, watercress and rosemary aioli. The richness of the lamb is complimented by the tang of the pickled onion, brightness of the watercress and savory richness of the aioli. The Croque Monsieur (or Croque Madame) and the Gigot D'Agneau, as well as Le Sandwich d'Oeuf Haché (Egg Salad Sandwich: truffled egg salad on toasted whole grain bread, $8.95) are featured in the Soupe et ½ Sandwich Special ($13.95), featuring half a sandwich and a bowl of the soup du jour. Bistrot Zinc serves lunch (brunch on weekends) and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com or call 312-337-1131 for reservations.

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Smash Hit Sandwiches for National Sandwich Month at Delightful Pastries

No matter what your style of eating, everyone has a favorite sandwich. For many folks, Delightful Pastries sandwiches are high up on their favorite list. That's because Delightful Pastries takes sandwiches seriously, with seriously great sandwiches.

National Sandwich month lasts all August long, so you cannot find a better reason to try all of Delightful Pastries sandwiches. Their unique twist on sandwiches will have you reassessing your sandwich preferences and salivating for more.The Thanksgiving Sandwich ($8.25-$8.95) will make you feel eternally grateful for the American turkey tradition. This sandwich masterpiece is made with turkey breast, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, cranberry sauce, homemade horseradish, mayonnaise, tomato and field greens. Other scrumptious sandwiches include The Polish, made with Polish ham, Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard ($8.25-$8.95), Three Piggly Wigglys ($10) made with Polish ham, bacon and pork cutlet and served on a everything bun, and the Big Fish ($8.25-$8.95), a Mediterranean tuna sandwich.All these sandwiches can be made with a choice of seven grain bread, sunflower rye bread or a butter croissant. Complete your sandwich lunch with one Delightful Pastries' freshly made soups of the week ($4.50-$5.75). Sandwiches can be purchased at the French Market at 131 N. Clinton, (312) 234-9644, or at Old Town at 1710 N. Wells St., (312) 255-0724. Visit www.delightfulpastries.com for more information.

Friday, August 1, 2014

There is always something delicious and new cooking in the Bistrot Zinc (1131 N. State St., Chicago) kitchen and August 3 is no exception.

National Watermelon Day is August 3 and Bistrot Zinc has prepared the perfect yellow watermelon appetizer to celebrate this delicious fruit. The juiciness of the watermelon is paired with the fragrant flavors of French feta cheese and basil oil, making it a refreshing appetizer. With this starter revealing the luscious ingredients used and delectable food served at Bistrot Zinc, you will be keen to try all of Bistrot Zinc's menu items. Bistrot Zinc serves lunch (brunch on weekends) and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com or call 312-337-1131 for reservations.

Many of us believe that chocolate makes everything better. Delightful Pastries clearly agrees, which is why they are celebrating National "Brownie at Brunch" Month with a decadent brunch this August. At Delightful Pastries Old Town Café and Store (1710 N. Wells St) you can pair your delicious savory brunch with a rich chocolate brownie-one of Delightful Pastries most popular items.Delightful Pastries' Brunch, served from opening at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Fr iday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, features house specials that you are sure to enjoy, such as Bacon, Bacon Yum ($9.95), scrambled eggs with ham, two strips of bacon and one slice of extra thick cut bacon; or the many varieties of omelets, such as the Backwoods ($9.95), prepared with sautéed local mushrooms, green onions, Swiss cheese, bourbon, beet horseradish sour cream sauce. Another favorite brunch treat is the Carrot Cake Pancake (8.95), three spiced pancakes baked with carrots, pineapple, vanilla bean extract and layers of cream cheese.While it's difficult to pace yourself with such delicious brunch options, be sure to save room for a chocolate dessert. Delightful Pastries boasts a divine selection of brownies, including Fudge Walnut Brownies ($3-$3.50), Pecan Praline Brownies ($3-$3.50), Cream Cheese Brownie ($2.50-$3.50), Triple Decker Peanut Butter Brownie ($3-$3.50) and Paradise Brownies ($2.50-$3.50). With so many delicious brunch and brownie options, you will be able to justify many trips back to try them all.

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